The Transport Department (TD) today (September 18) said that in view of the phased resumption of face-to-face classes of primary and secondary schools and kindergartens on September 23 and 29, major public transport operators have been reminded to provide adequate public transport services to cater for transport demand.
Franchised bus companies will, with effect from September 23, resume 51 bus routes and departures serving school areas (details are at the Annex). The bus companies will also strengthen those bus routes serving school areas. The MTR Corporation Limted will also enhance rail (including heavy rail and Light Rail) services, and resume the services of all MTR bus routes operating in Tuen Mun and Yuen Long from September 23 to cater for the passenger demand.
The TD's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will closely monitor the traffic situation and public transport services. It will also maintain close liaison with major public transport operators and relevant government departments and arrange public transport service enhancements when necessary.
Students, especially those attending a new school, are reminded to familiarise themselves with the public transport routes to be taken to school and allow more travelling time on the first day of face-to-face class resumption. Students living on outlying islands or attending schools on outlying islands should check the ferry schedules, the vessel types to be used and journey times for their intended ferry trips beforehand. Students should also pay attention to road safety when attending school.
More information may be obtained through the following hotlines and websites of major public transport operators:
| Operator | Hotline | Website |
| MTR Corporation Limited | 2881 8888 | www.mtr.com.hk |
| New World First Bus (NWFB) | 2136 8888 | www.nwstbus.com.hk |
| Citybus | 2873 0818 | www.nwstbus.com.hk |
| Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) | 2745 4466 | www.kmb.hk |
| Long Win Bus | 2261 2791 | www.lwb.hk |
| New Lantao Bus (NLB) | 2984 9848 | www.newlantaobus.com |
| New World First Ferry | 2131 8181 | www.nwff.com.hk |
| Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry | 2815 6063 | www.hkkf.com.hk |
Motorists are advised not to drive to the school areas if possible. Drivers of nanny vans and school buses are reminded to pay attention to safety when serving young schoolchildren. They should not carry excess passengers or leave the students in vehicles unattended. An escort should be provided on board when serving kindergarten or primary school students. Parents should agree well in advance with schools and operators of nanny vans or school buses on the locations for picking up and dropping off their children.
Students and members of the public are advised to pay attention to the latest transport and traffic news on radio and television before leaving home and allow more travelling time.
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